2.1 - Biological theories

• Lombroso's study

  Physiological

  'atavistic form' - traits he found common in criminals

  Features:

  • Bigger size jaw than normal
  • High cheekbones
• Sheldon's study

  
  

  Identified 3 'Somatotypes':

  • Endomorphs - Round body + lack of muscle ( sociable + outgoing)
  • Ectomorphs - Thin + Lack fat/muscle ( self conscious)
  • Mesomorph - Muscular + strong limbs ( risk taking + domineering)
• What Somatotype did Sheldon identify as the most criminal?

  Mesomorph
• Twin studies

  • Identical are 100% of genes so if one is criminal then the other is most likely to be
• Jacobs XYY study

  Males = XY chromosome

  Males with an extra Y are more prone to aggression and violence.

  • Higher average of men in prison have the XYY variant